Major Paul then took over command of the 17th and that evening once
more they moved into the trenches in support at Quarry Post, Authuille
Wood.

On the 13th July a bombing party of about 100 men were ordered to
attack the German Line, north of Ovillers, linking up with the
Inniskillen Fusiliers, and this party at midnight under Captain
Ferguson, Lieuts. Herron and Kirk and Sergeant Stewart, in conjunction
with the Inniskillens and a party of Engineers, carried out the raid.

The greatest credit was due to the initiative shown by Captain
Ferguson, in making excellent dispositions under very difficult
conditions. Owing to the strength of the German wire, a frontal attack
was impracticable, and after much thought, it was decided to attack
obliquely. The attack was most successful, a considerable number of
Germans being killed, while at least 16 were taken prisoners. The
objectives were all taken in a few minutes, but unfortunately the
raiders' losses were heavy. Captain Ferguson was mortally wounded,
eight other ranks were killed, and the other two officers and about 35
other ranks were wounded.

Writing of this incident, one of the Battalion officers says that
after the patrol had gone out those who were not taking part in it
heard the firing and the clamour of the small battle while they waited
eagerly for news of its progress. "News came in that the front was
safe, and proud of the efforts of our Battalion, we waited for their
return. The waiting was hard to bear, but the return sadder to
witness. They came back. On the right they had succeeded. On the left
they had died. A triumph and a disaster in one. On that small field
were left yet more of the (oh! so sadly few) gallant men of the
Seventeenth who, though exhausted and battle-worn, had in their own
true and fine spirit responded to the uttermost to the call for
gallant work. Later the body of Captain Ferguson was found right up to
the German lines grasping an empty revolver, far ahead in the charge
of even his gallant followers."

For this action, the Battalion received thanks and congratulations
from the Corps and Division. A counter-attack drove the raiders out of
the captured trench; but the object of the raid--to create a diversion
from a major operation on the right--had been successfully
accomplished.

This particular week, which was the last the Battalion saw of the
Somme fighting until later in the year, was one of the most strenuous
times which